9th Sunday after Pentecost

Anxious? Our Father knows our needs.

The world is filled with things to be anxious about, from the terrifying: mass shootings,

economic collapse, national unrest, to the mundane: remodeling decisions, compound fractions,

taxes. We fret and lose sleep, but Jesus says, "do not be anxious about your life."

Now Jesus isn't promoting a careless lifestyle where we just throw all caution to the wind, nor

is Jesus just peddling the power of positive thinking. His encouragement, "don't be anxious" is

rooted in our Heavenly Father's care for us. God feeds the ravens and clothes the lilies, and we're

certainly more dear to Him than birds and flowers. And if the Lord promises to provide for all our

needs (wants are another matter), then why be anxious?

Not only does the Lord promise to provide us with treasures that are here today and gone

tomorrow, but He also promises a treasure that will always be here tomorrow. "Fear not, little flock,

for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom." The Lord's kingdom--His work of

salvation--cannot be touched by moth, rust, or even time. It's an eternal treasure that will never

fade away.